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Philippines Holidays, Flights & Travel Guide
Philippines travel guide - Philippines
holidays, holiday packages & Philippines hotels.
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Philippines Holidays, Philippines Holiday
Packages Overview
The Philippines archipelago of more
than 7,000 islands is sandwiched between Malaysia, Indonesia,
Vietnam and Thailand, flanked by the South China Sea. All her
neighbours have magical tourist appeal to various degrees, but the
Philippines, even though the sea is just as blue and clear and the
myriad coral islands just as alluring, seems to have missed the
boat when it comes to marketing its attractions.
Bad press in recent years, after some high-profile
terrorism and kidnapping incidents, have not helped matters. The
country has also laboured under a turbulent political reputation
and is still overcoming the effects of martial law. Its poor
infrastructure, dilapidated roads and unsafe ferries, have also all
played a role in deterring potential travellers and the country has
been overlooked as an eco-tourist destination because of local
disregard for the natural resources (such as fishermen dynamiting
coral reefs). While resources are being channelled into education
to prevent such practices a great deal of damage has already been
done to the environment. The good news is that
Filipinos themselves are warm and welcoming - as underscored in the
country's tagline - 'where Asia wears a smile'. Apart from some
beautiful, remote tropical islands and legendary scuba diving
spots, the archipelago's best resource is the friendliness and
laid-back attitude of the Filipino people. Their hospitable and
embracing attitude is enough to put a smile on any visitor's face;
this is even more the case in the rural areas. The Philippines has
some superb all-inclusive luxury resorts spread around the islands
which cushion visitors from the general degradation and
safety-risks of the cities and towns, and a major plus is that the
country is amazingly good-value. Also, the food is delicious, and
English is widely spoken. Independent travellers
who like to wander off the beaten track, and do not mind doing
without the conveniences of running water and the like, will find
plenty to fascinate them in the countryside and coastal parts of
the Philippines; albeit without the assistance of guide books. The
Philippines is one of the few places left in the world where
adventurers can wander through tribal lands, unfettered by modern
interferences. Travellers are however advised to follow the current
safety advice on areas to avoid. During 2000 a
Belgian research centre declared the Philippines to be the most
disaster-prone country on earth, citing typhoons, earthquakes,
volcanic eruptions, floods, garbage landslides and militant action
against Muslim insurgents as just some of it's problems! The
current Government, however, is trying to improve this image, so
now may be the time to see the country in its unspoilt state,
before the major mass package resort developers move
in.
Tourist Offices - Philippine Convention and Visitors Corp,
Manila: +63 (0)2 525 9318 or www.tourism.gov.ph
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Entry Requirements
for Philippines Holidays & Philippines Travel
Everyone entering the Philippines must have
a passport valid for at least six months beyond the intended period
of stay. If there is an embassy of country of nationality in the
Philippines, then the passport can be valid for less than six
months. All visitors must have return or onward tickets and
documents necessary for further travel, as well as sufficient
funds.
- For Australians -
Australians must have a valid passport. No visa is
required for a stay of up to 21 days.
- New Zealand nationals must have a valid passport. No
visa is required for a stay of up to 21 days.
- United States citizens must have a valid passport. No
visa is required for a stay of up to 21 days; extensions are
possible.
- United States citizens must have a valid passport. No
visa is required for a stay of up to 21 days; extensions are
possible.
- British citizens must have a valid passport. No visa
is required for a stay of up to 21 days. A tourist visa from the
Philippine embassy is valid for 59 days.
Philippines Holidays - Currency of Philippines
The currency of the Philippines is the Peso (PHP),
which is divided into 100 centavos. Major credit cards are widely
accepted in the cities and tourist destinations. Banks do not
always accept travellers cheques, but a receipt of purchase is
useful. ATMs are available in the major cities. US dollars are
widely accepted in Manila and other tourist areas and are the
easiest currency to exchange; otherwise Pounds Sterling can also be
exchanged in banks and hotels. Banks open from 9am to 3pm, Monday
to Friday, but their ATMs are open 24 hours. It is best to carry
pesos when travelling outside of major centres.
Philippines
Telephone Access Codes and Communications
The international access code for the
Philippines is +63. The outgoing code is 00 followed by the
relevant country code (e.g. 001 for the United States). City/area
codes are in use, e.g. (0)2 for Manila. The major towns, cities and
popular tourist spots are covered by GSM 900 and 1800 mobile phone
networks. Internet cafes are available in Manila and the tourist
resorts.
Philippines
Duty Free Allowances & Restrictions
Travellers to the Philippines over 18 years do
not have to pay duty on 400 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250g pipe
tobacco; and 2 litres of alcoholic beverages. Prohibited items
include firearms or parts thereof, explosives and ammunition;
printed material that contains subversive, obscene or pornographic
content; drugs, gambling machines, lottery sweepstake tickets, or
coin-operated video machines; gold, silver and other precious
metals that do not have authentication of quality; non-identifiable
brands of medicines or foodstuffs; coca leaves and any prohibited
drugs; plants or parts thereof, fruits and
vegetables.
Philippines
Holidays & Packages- Tipping Information
Tipping is expected for most services. The
standard practice is 10% of the total bill. Tipping is optional on
bills that already include a 10% service
charge.
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